There is now far less faith in Adama Barrow and his government, as well as in their trustworthiness and credibility. The revelations arising from the most recent leaked audit findings have severely harmed President Barrow’s already damaged ego, which has been made worse by claims of pervasive corruption in the government he led. This Saturday’s Sukuta big rally was only Barrow’s attempt to become relevant again.
But the latest accusations against the government should have been the last straw that sealed Barrow’s doom in the world of corruption. But for a regime so deeply ingrained in corruption, this might not be the last time. The country will undoubtedly be rocked by another corruption crisis.
Bun Dawda stated in an interview with AG Radio on Monday night that all these accusations of corruption should have served as a unifying factor, bringing the opposition parties together on a common platform. Any powerful and cohesive coalition that forms would be warmly welcomed by Gambian, especially considering the current status of this government, which is already beset by corruption and has lost the faith of the people. Regretfully, the opposition parties in the Gambia lost out on all these chances.
Yahya Jammeh’s recent WhatsApp recordings threatening to return to The Gambia appears to terrify Barrow. “Barrow’s vacation at Mankamang Kunda may have been cut short and that this recent grand rally in Sukuta was merely a ploy to hijack the political discourse to regain his relevance.” Bun Dawda stated.
Significant corruption issues, such as the controversy surrounding Jammeh’s seized assets, the unlawful seizure of the Chief Justice’s residence at South Atlantic Road in Fajara, and the corruption connected to the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) and NAWEC, are what have made Barrow’s government unpopular at the moment.
Additionally, concerns did arise in the past regarding the President’s mother’s medical expenses, the Albayrak concession contracts, the unlawful dismissal of Amadou Colley, the former Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG), and the recent forceful removal of Modou Ceesay, the Auditor General of The Gambia. These factors may indicate that Barrow’s government has reached a critical juncture.
Bun Dawda described the remarks made during the Sukuta rally as offensive and polarizing, and he cautioned opposition leaders—especially Talib Ahmed Bensouda—that Barrow might do whatever it takes to hold onto power. “What would you do if you knew that if you lost power today, you would have to move into Mile2 tomorrow?” Bun Dawda asked?
